All Fluff and No Stuff

Tim Bean

8/13/2012

I admit to having a bit of writer’s block today, so I will apologize in advance if this article seems more than a little like it was phoned in.  It is hard trying to come up with new things to write about every day about politics, without rehashing too many themes and opinions.  The good thing is that politicians and politics can, does, and will provide new things to write and comment on eventually.  It is like fishing, some days you don’t catch anything, other days the fish almost jump into your boat.  So, without further ado, here goes nothing.

I guess I have been living under a rock or something because I was completely unaware of the fact that Politico.com had a “living diary” covering the Obama administration, called “44.”  In fairness to me and my rock, my ignorance is more due to the fact that I don’t visit Politico.com that often.  The only reason I was there today was looking for “inspiration” to write about today, and it appears I found it (inspiration that is – well quasi-inspiration).

Really?  A living diary?  Seriously?  Okay, I guess, I mean I can’t very well complain about a lack of objectivity in the media when I have dedicated this site towards trying to spread the Libertarian Party’s message, and its Presidential candidate Gov. Gary Johnson, but still, I believe this “living diary” thing might be a little much.  But there it is in all of its splendor.  Now, of course I haven’t read all of it, because I just “discovered” it, but upon a cursory reading of many of the most recent entries I would say that it is lacking in a little something…hmm…

…Oh I know what it is lacking – substance – kind of like not just President Obama’s, but Mitt’s campaigns too.  While I cannot say that it is all fluff, meaning that every entry isn’t 100% in the bag for the President, there is a certain puff to much of it.  No, the substance that is lacking isn’t so much the fault of those who are writing each entry, it is the words of the President where I am left wanting more.  They are filled with platitudes, like “We’re suffering from the worst drought in 50 years.”, and this little gem, “I want everybody to know that we have the capacity to meet every challenge.”  Both said today in Council Bluffs Iowa.  One is a “no duh” statement, and the other is a warm fuzzy statement, but neither actually say anything, and if you think I am doing some creative editing I encourage you to check it out on your own.  Unless you are 100% blinded by the message I believe that even objective supporters of the President would begrudge that there is little substance there.

Of course this is a campaign, and I am not so naïve as to think or expect a politician from either of the big two parties to actually “say” anything.  These guys know that our political atmosphere has devolved into more of a popularity contest than anything that has to do about specifics, solutions, and actual issues.  All of those things are sure fired ways to get you in trouble, as a politician.  I think this “living diary” shines quite a light on the definitive lack in anything actually being said.  The fact that the people who are supposed to represent us care more about getting elected and re-elected by not saying anything that could jeopardize their quest for power, they are essentially treating us like children.  So, I guess we should all enjoy the verbal cotton candy they are serving us, it is fluffy and sweet, but is not good for us at all.

Again, my apologies for this being a crappy article, I will strive to do better tomorrow.

It is becoming clear that the old platitudes can no longer be maintained, and that if we wish to improve our morals we must first improve our knowledge. (Havelock Ellis)